Campbell running back Darius Cambe scored on a 5-yard run to cap a defensive battle and give the host Sabers a 12-6 win over Moanalua in double overtime on Friday night in Ewa Beach.
The Campbell defense came up with interceptions on both of Moanalua’s possessions in overtime and quarterback Kawika Ulufale began the Sabers’ second possession with a 15-yard run up the middle. Cambe then ended the game with his touchdown to push Campbell (3-3, 3-2) past Na Menehune (3-3, 2-3) in the OIA Blue standings.
“I always say our defense has been the heart and soul of our team,” Campbell coach Amosa Amosa said.
“Our defense really took over that overtime, and for us to run the ball in … I’m so happy for our up-front guys. I gave it to them, ‘It’s going to be up to you guys. I’m not going to throw the ball. I’m going to run it in.’ ”
Campbell’s first three possessions of the game ended with takeaways by Moanalua safety Kea Rodrigues. The senior recovered a fumble on the fourth play of the game and came up with interceptions on the Sabers’ next two drives. Brandon Bender also had an interception in the turnover-riddled first half.
Campbell safety Jaylen Ignatowski countered with a fumble recovery and an interception with 11 seconds left in the half. After his return, Campbell took over just outside the Moanalua 10, but Ulufale slipped on his drop with six seconds left and Isaiah Jackson broke up his pass into the end zone to end the half.
Campbell held Moanalua quarterback Alakai Yuen, the leading passer in the OIA Blue, to 79 yards in the first half and 139 for the game with four interceptions.
Both teams scored on their opening possession of the second half. Three Campbell penalties aided a 10-play Moanalua drive that ended with Yuen’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Ramones. Campbell answered with a 52-yard burst up the middle by Tasi Faumui. Both teams missed their extra-point attempts and the tie held through the fourth quarter.
Campbell had first-and-goal at the 10 but stalled at the 6 and a field-goal attempt with 39 seconds left didn’t clear the line of scrimmage. Moanalua’s last ditch drive ended with an interception to force overtime.
Both teams came up empty on their possessions in the first overtime and Moanalua was pushed back to midfield in the second overtime before giving the ball back to Campbell with an interception. The Sabers took two more plays to end it.
“Big time momentum shift and Coach Amosa knew it and they took advantage of it,” Moanalua coach Savaii Eselu.